Lead consultants appointed to £1m Drumahoe District Park project

WDR & RT Taggarts will work on the flagship site on the grounds of Drumahoe Primary School and a portion of the former Faughan Valley School.

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock has welcomed the appointment to the project which includes the creation of a play garden, walkway, meeting space, synthetic pitch and changing rooms.

Ald McClintock said: “I am so pleased and excited that we’ve moved to the next stage in the development. While it will be a timely process before the new park is finalised this is a significant step in getting one stage closer to that time.”

The initiative is one of three across Northern Ireland receiving £1 million each from the Big Lottery-funded Space & Place programme.

The Mayor continued: “This project was essential for their community and I’m very grateful to the Space & Place programme for recognising this.

“The transformation of this derelict site into a facility designed not only for local children but by all people throughout the city and district.

“With increased access to the Drumahoe pitches and the biodiversity component alongside the new walking trails along the scenic River Faughan it really is a place for everyone.”

Council worked in partnership with Drumahoe Community Association, Waterside Neighbourhood Partnership, Tullyally Community Partnership, Education Authority and Drumahoe PS to create a visionary project and then bid for funding with the aspiration that a new park would connect more people and communities together by utilising under used land at the site.

Terry McMaster, principal of Drumahoe PS, said: “The staff, Governors and pupils at Drumahoe Primary School are now beginning to realise that their vision is beginning to come to fruition with the appointment of WDR & RT Taggarts as lead consultant for the new Drumahoe District Park.

“The development of this ‘Community Corridor’ and the increased access to the Drumahoe pitches and new walking trails along the scenic River Faughan will create a place for everyone to enjoy and be proud of.”

The project is anticipated to commence on site in June/July 2017.